The Absurd, Ned and the Dirt, Niantic, Karma Vulture

The Absurd

In the summer of 2013 at Michigan State University, Ben Foerg and Josh Loney hardly knew each other. Through mutual connections--and because no one else but these losers stays in town over summer break--Josh wound up at Ben's apartment one lonely Fourth of July. Because Josh didn't have Ben's phone number, he threw a rock at his window and shouted, "Hey man, you wanna do some acid?"

Though it would be a few years until The Absurd (formerly "Ben Foerg & The Absurd") became a thing, the ensuing drug trip made the pair an inseparable duo. While Josh finished college, Ben went to Colorado to bum around and write folk songs. Josh noticed the potential for a rock band to form, and the seeds of The Absurd were planted. The two moved to Los Angeles late 2014.

After five failed drummers (one wound up homeless, another broke his chest--literally), they found current drummer Colin Jensen, an ex-Mormon from Utah searching for his soul while playing Jazz for cash on the streets. The three hit it off, writing enough music to play (poorly) live, and record a few early EPs.

Since then--and only after a few grueling years of playing every grungy dive LA has to offer multiple times a week--The Absurd have made their way to becoming regulars at LA staples like The Satellite, Harvard & Stone, The Bootleg, The Viper Room, Silverlake Lounge and many, many others. One of the hardest working bands in the industry, they recently performed on the main stage at Long Beach Gay Pride 2018, and made their third consecutive appearance at Echo Park Rising, LA's premier local music showcase.

They are currently in post-production for their debut full-length album, "Build the Wall."

Ned and the Dirt

Los Angeles based Indie Rock band Ned and the Dirt is a band that you soak up. They don't wash over you, they happen to you. Listen to them; you'll want to dance, you'll want to cry, you'll want to start feeling everything more profoundly, and it's this warp speed through emotions that makes Ned and the Dirt special - it's the human experience. Ned's roots can be found in his preacher's tongue and garage-party swagger, but it's the Dirt's grit that gives their music a grip on your ears. Their live performances drip with honesty (and sweat) so go get up close if you're ready to feel, but don't worry, you won't be alone. You'll be flying through with everyone else.

Niantic

A city full of transplants, and yet all four members of Niantic are from the Los Angeles area. We grew up right here, in the thick of it, watching people and ideas and flavors of the month come and go.

So we transplanted styles. The goal is impossible -- a sonic architecture, a diversity of borrowing, from all periods and approaches to great music. Different approaches to technical mastery -- or sometimes lack thereof. A relentless focus on arranging, musicianship, and performance.

Every song tells a story, has words and melodies to get lost in. On stage you won't want to look away. On record hopefully it'll be like anything good you put on -- you'll call your friends in from the other room and say "you've gotta hear this".

What does the name mean?? It's an Indian tribe from Connecticut. Ryan found it on a street sign in San Diego and it's a pretty name. You can pronounce it with a hard I if you want to. We're probably concentrating on not sucking and not correcting your language.

But if you do find yourself intrigued, bring your friends, come see us live.

Karma Vulture

Karma Vulture is a three piece heavy rock band from Los Angeles. Consisting of Conor Soellane on bass and vocals, Will Hammond on guitar, and Nick Bock on drums. Karma Vulture aim to deliver heavy riffs, catchy melodies, and poignant lyrical content to your ear balls. “If it looks like we might be loud, that’s because we are."